Dielectric frame assembly and fuel cell manifold

Abstract

An assembly having a dielectric frame which utilizes a plurality of segments, each segment having opposing first and second surfaces and first and second ends portions. Each of the first and second end portions has an end surface and a cutout extending from the end surface of the end portion along the length of the segment and from the first surface to the second surface. The segments of the frame are arranged in abutting relationship with the first surfaces of the segments aligned and the second surfaces of said segments aligned and with the end surface of a first end portion of a segment abutting the end surface of the second end portion of the adjacent segment. In this way, the cutouts of the first and second end portions of abutting segments form a keyway and a key is situated in the keyway so as to hold the abutting segments together. In accordance with the invention, certain of the segments are provided with recesses in the first surfaces of the segments adjacent the cutouts. Preferably, the recesses are formed as slanting or inclined surfaces which slant or incline into the thickness of the segment and are adjacent to and end at the far end of the slot, i.e., the end of the slot farthest along length of the segment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.